Spontaneously Blinking Rhodamine Dyes for Single-Molecule Localization Microscopy

Single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) has found extensive applications in various fields of biology and chemistry. As a vital component of SMLM, fluorophores play an essential role in obtaining super-resolution fluorescence images. Recent research on spontaneously blinking fluorophores has greatly simplified the experimental setups and extended the imaging duration of SMLM. To support this crucial development, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the development of spontaneously blinking rhodamines from 2014 to 2023, as well as the key mechanistic aspects of intramolecular spirocyclization reactions. We hope that by offering insightful design guidelines, this review will contribute to accelerating the advancement of super-resolution imaging technologies.

Automated summary

Single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) has been widely used in biology and chemistry. Fluorophores, as an essential component of SMLM, play a crucial role in obtaining super-resolution fluorescence images. Recent research on spontaneously blinking fluorophores simplifies experimental setups and extends the imaging duration of SMLM. This review provides an overview of the development of spontaneously blinking rhodamines from 2014 to 2023 and the key mechanistic aspects of intramolecular spirocyclization reactions, aiming to accelerate the advancement of super-resolution imaging technologies.